Explain

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT EXPLAIN - PAGE 5

Snowflakes are evidence of exquisite design in nature. It defies logic to assert that these intricate patterns are the result of a random clustering of water molecules. Frozen water should be little clumps of ice. Furthermore, half of a snowflake is as impossible as half of a mousetrap; an intelligent designer would never create either one. Personally, I leave it to scientists to explain how snowflakes form in an orderly pattern. I leave it to philosophers to explain the meaning and purpose of a world with snowflakes.

Teacher Beth Moyer on Monday begins to explain a Valentine's Day project her class will make for a party on Wednesday in the Upper Bucks YMCA in Quakertown. Her pupils are (from left) Jack Boston, 3; J.J. Juchno, 4; Dillon Glova, 4, and Jacob Wackerman, 3. Joseph Randolph, 4, selects a heart he will use for his project, above, while, at right, he adds his name to personalize it during the Gym Jam Class.

To the Editor: Bill White in his April 8 column failed to explain why his column was headed, "It's bedlam pronouncing Beth-lee-um." The derivation of bedlam is interesting. There is an insane asylum in London, England, named Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem. The locals pronounce Bethlehem, "bedlam." There is no Latin, Greek, or Germanic basis for bedlam. It is just a mispronunciation. JACK COLE BETHLEHEM

To the Editor: I would like to explain why nobody objected to the Nazareth School District's plans to increase property taxes. It is sad to say, but most people feel like puppets any more when it comes to government. The government of the United States, with its oppressive laws and increasing taxes, has destroyed the drive of many people. Someday, the people will open their eyes and take control of the country that taxes them until their backs break. RYAN BALTZ NAZARETH

To the Editor: In one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's "damage control" interviews, she stated that she believes her husband, "absolutely, positively, 100 percent." As she stands by her man, she is also standing by the amenities, of which there are many, that go with being First Lady. When asked to explain the gifts that Clinton bestowed on acquaintances, she answered, "He loves to give gifts. If one should admire his tie, he would probably take it off and present it to the admirer." Makes me wonder if that explains the gift of the dress that was allegedly presented to Monica Lewinsky.

Saucon Valley High School students Jackie White, 16, of Bethlehem and Alison Winters, 15, of Hellertown, above left, step back in time and sport period uniforms as they and their classmates watch a Civil War presentation by Company E, First Texas Volunteer Infantry re-enactors near the Hellertown campus on Friday. At left, the re-enactors stand outside their tent and explain their daily life to the students. Above, the students watch as one of the re-enactors explains the various weapons used in the Civil War.

"I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me . . . " - II Corinthians 12:11 Marlene Merz is a fool and proud of it. Merz of Allentown is part of a local movement known as "clown ministry." Clowns such as Merz use the tools of the theater to get across the message of Christ. Whether it's miming a parable, using puppets to explain a Bible story or just putting a smile on a lonely heart's face, clowning is a universal language recognized by all denominations. "There is a touch of clown, any type of clown, that gets through to people," said Merz, who works during the day as the director of the Daybreak homeless shelter on 8th Street.

In a letter to the editor Jan. 29, the writer asked rhetorically what happened to all the people "swept up" by patriotism following Sept. 11. He said they are all protesting now, going on to explain that freedom of speech demands "responsibility." I presume a responsibility not to exercise that freedom. I can make no sense of this. "Swept up," however, was a very accurate choice of words. It explains the frightening concession by Congress, granting our president unmitigated power to make war in the name "of the people."

A group of angry Pen Argyl parents are calling for the dismissal of a sixth-grade teacher who allegedly explained to students in graphic detail during health class how lesbians and gay men have sexual intercourse. The teacher, Anita Kotoris, was suspended without pay for two weeks last year over the incident and has appealed the punishment. The district said it could not comment on the charges because the grievance has gone to arbitration. Kotoris, who teaches at Wind Gap Middle School, could not be reached for comment.